Written By The Howard University Newsroom Staff
The Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) will redefine healthcare education with the launch of two innovative online degree programs scheduled to begin in 2024. TheĀ Master of Health AdministrationĀ (MHA)Ā andĀ Doctor of Nursing PracticeĀ (DNP) programs will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in today’s dynamic and intricate healthcare landscape while providing a flexible learning experience.
The launch of anĀ MHA programĀ makes Howard University the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Washington, D.C. area to offer a fully online MHA program. While the healthcare workforce has become increasingly diverse, the American College of Healthcare Executives continues to emphasize the underrepresentation of racially and ethnically diverse employees in top healthcare leadership positions.
āThese two programs are the beginning of greater healthcare initiatives to come from the College, that will address healthcare needs on a global level,ā saidĀ Gina S. Brown, Ph.D., dean of CNAHS. āHoward continues to lead out academically, strategically and with excellence, not just among HBCUās, but among the top tiered universities in the world. We continue to stand proud of the practitioners that we produce at every level.ā
Howard University’s MHA online program, which launches in the Fall of 2024, seeks to challenge this status quo by producing graduates who are accomplished scholars and insightful practitioners, mirroring our diverse community.Ā Kyrone Davis, Ed.D., assistant professor and chair of Health Management for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, said the program will help with these efforts.
āTo change the face of healthcare, we must change theĀ āfaceā of healthcare,ā Davis said. āWe know the systemic challenges that are at play and this program underscores the pivotal role of educational institutions in addressing them.ā
Doctor of Nursing Programs often overlook representation from minoritized communities. Howard University’s onlineĀ DNPĀ program will launch in January and is designed to address healthcare disparities among underserved communities of color, specifically focusing on mental health and integrative healthcare requirements in our contemporary society. Howard University experts say that a diverse healthcare leadership not only enhances the quality of care but also elevates the quality of work environments, fosters stronger community relations, and positively impacts community health outcomes.
“The online format caters to the demanding schedules of professional nurses,ā said Caron Strong, DNP, ARN, co-chair and assistant professor of nursing for the CNAHS graduate nursing program. āAs an HBCU, Howard remains unwavering in its commitment to educating Black students and other students from diverse cultural backgrounds in alignment with the needs of our multicultural and pluralistic society.”
The DNP program offers two distinct concentrations for nurses holding a master’s degree – a generic DNP and a psych-mental health nurse practitioner DNP. Comprising 38 credits, students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment options. Additionally, Howard University is pleased to offer attractive scholarship opportunities to support students and reinforce its dedication to nurturing future DNP leaders and clinicians.
Assistant Provost forĀ Digital and Online LearningĀ and Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CETLA),Ā Morris Thomas, Ph.D. said, “It is an exciting time for innovations in digital and online learning. This area continues to be one of the fastest-growing higher education sectors, and I am excited that Howard University is responding to this growing need. When specifically considering the health care profession, these new online programs will increase access to many learners who cannot complete a traditional in-person program at Howard University, ultimately expanding our reach.”